Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh looks on in the third quarter of their college football game against Notre Dame at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, on Saturday, October 26, 2019. Michigan won the game, 45-14. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.com

ANN ARBOR — Fears stemming from the coronavirus outbreak have forced the University of Michigan to move all classes online and cancel large events.

And, according to the school’s athletic department, that includes the Michigan football team’s open-to-the-public spring practice on April 18 at Michigan Stadium.

An athletic department statement on Wednesday said the free event at the 107,601-seat stadium has been canceled.

Earlier in the day, the university canceled “all U-M events that would convene 100 people or more” through April 21, but later added.

"The University of Michigan Athletics Department is closely monitoring the COVID-19 virus outbreak and its impact on our communities,” the statement read. "The health and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches and staff is paramount as we assess the near and long-term potential impacts. This is a rapidly evolving situation."

The football team — and all other Michigan athletic teams — will still be allowed to practice, but without the presence of “non-essential personnel” such as parents, friends, recruits, alumni and scouts. Michigan plans to begin its 15-practice spring schedule on Tuesday, March 17, concluding near the end of the academic semester, on or about April 21.

Additionally, Michigan is not allowing its football coaches to conduct off-campus recruiting or host recruits for official or unofficial campus visits. It’s important to note that the NCAA is currently in a “quiet period” for recruiting until April 14, limiting recruiting contact to be made in-person and on-campus.

"U-M officials and medical experts, in close coordination with the state and local public health departments, are closely monitoring for developments and will offer additional guidance and messaging as soon as it is available,” the statement reads.

“The university is watching guidance from federal, state and local authorities. At this time, there is no recommendation to entirely cancel U-M athletic events.”

The football team has already canceled their annual spring trip overseas amid coronavirus fears. The outbreak has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, with more than 125,000 cases worldwide, including more than 1,200 in the United States -- and growing.

As of Wednesday evening, more than 4,600 deaths have been blamed on the virus globally.

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